Biodegradable is NOT Debatable!

Biodegradable is NOT debatable! I wanted to share a quick post with you today, sharing one of our latest projects with Organic Initiative.

Consider using 100% pure organic cotton Oi Regular Tampons (which are free of synthetics, plastics, chlorine bleaching, perfumes and chemical dyes. Everything which should be avoided anyway! 

Here are some important tips and FAQ’s that I found on the OI website, here!

At Oi we pride ourselves on giving you all the information you need to make informed choices about what you put into your body. Therefore we have answered some of the questions you may have regarding your health and environmental concerns below.

What are Oi products made from?

Oi tampons, pads and liners are made from certified organic cotton. Oi wrappers are made from bioplastic, meaning they are made from plant starches. Our boxes are recyclable and our inks are made from vegetable dyes.

All Oi products are free from chlorine, synthetics such as rayon and polypropylene, chemicals, dyes, fragrances, and lubricants, they are also biodegradable.

Oi products are sourced from sound ecologically managed producers and cruelty-free.

Where is the cotton sourced from?

Our cotton comes from a range of GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) certified farms including the USA, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Turkey.

How do you ensure production is in line with your environmental policy?

Every year, billions of plastic laden menstrual pads and tampons are disposed of and the majority of conventional pads are made from crude oil plastic which pollutes our fragile ecosystems.

Plastic waste from menstrual pads and tampons is often found littering our beaches causing disease and compromising public health. Plastics tangle marine animals, killing or injuring either by suffocation, strangulation, drowning or by the reduction of movement and thereby hampering the animal’s ability to feed.

All Oi products are BioGro certified, New Zealand's leading organisation.

By choosing Oi, you are saying no to the use of crude oil plastics.

What are other non-organic tampons and pads made from?

Most menstrual pads, liners and tampons contain synthetics.

These are made up of plastics such as polythene, polypropylene and polyacrylate super absorbent gel, surfactants and chlorine-bleached wood pulp - as well as fragrance and colours.

Tampons are commonly made from chlorine bleached rayon or a combination of conventionally grown cotton, one the most highly sprayed crops on earth and rayon.

Chlorine bleaching practises produce dioxin as a by-product - a substance linked to health issues such as cancer, endometriosis and immune system compromise. By choosing Oi you are saying No to the use of synthetics and chemicals in your tampons and pads.

Why is organic cotton better?

Many women experience vaginal itching, irritation, soreness and discharge.

Just as we are recommended cotton underwear because it is soft, pure and breathable Oi recommends all women choose 100% certified organic cotton tampons and pads.

How does natural cotton compare with organic cotton?

“Natural” cotton commonly refers to the fact there are no synthetics and plastics added to the natural fiber after the plant is harvested.

However this does not mean that the cotton is chemical free. Conventional cotton is sprayed extensively with pesticides and other dangerous chemicals.

Non-organic cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world, using more than 25% of the world’s total insecticides. Organic cotton is made from non-genetically modified plant which is grown without use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilisers or pesticides.

Is organic cotton just as reliable as synthetic products?

Yes.

I’m thinking of switching to Oi but I’m worried that the products won’t work as well as the ones I’ve been using.

Yes. You can trust that Oi products are convenient, comfortable, safe and reliable.

Where are Oi products made ?

Oi is a New Zealand owned company. Our products are made in Europe and adhere to the strict guidelines set out by GOTS (Global organic textile standard) BioGro (New Zealand’s organic certifier and the FDA (Food and drug administration) from farm to you.

What certification standards do Oi products have?

All Oi products carry the highest certifications.

These include GOTS (Global organic textile standard) and BioGro (the leading voice in organics for New Zealand and the Pacific).

What about Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a certification for products produced in developing countries that do not have industrial labour laws. Our products are manufactured in first world, developed countries (Europe) that have fair labour laws and working conditions.

What about GMO?

Organic standards prohibit the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) so you can rest assured that all our products are 100% GMO free.

Walmart has a great selection of all sorts of products from Organic Initiative!

#changeyourworldthismonth  #jointherevolution  #careforyourworld #EcoFriendly

Incorporate these 100% organic cotton, Eco-friendly goods into your days, months, and life!

Tips for Actually Relaxing on Vacation

This post has been sponsored by Canada Dry®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Let’s be honest, traveling can be pretty stressful. But, if you go into a vacation or adventure with a well-thought-out plan, a realistic outlook, and something refreshing to drink, it’s so much easier to sit back and actually relax and enjoy your time away!

During our recent vacation to the Florida Keys, we took a sunny day to relax and picnic near the ocean. We bought along a DELICIOUS new flavor from Canada Dry called Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Orangeade, which we found at Kroger as we were getting ready to make the 24-hour drive to the Keys. This destination is worth every single mile! 

This new Canada Dry flavor is perfect to enjoy in Florida, the sunshine state known for its oranges; this drink delivers a flavor that is light and refreshing, with a hint of ginger and 1% real orange juice! 

I loved lying at the beach and simply staring out into the ocean. The tropical breezes make the palm trees wave ever so slightly with no cares in the world. We always pack a cooler full of ice and refreshments when we are adventuring around on our vacations. Staying hydrated is key in being able to stay focused, relaxed, and feeling fresh.

I see the stress that looms over those traveling and taking so much time, effort, and money on what they thought was supposed to be a relaxing vacation, only to find that the crowds, traffic, and overpriced everything are just too much!

I am often asked how I stay so positive while traveling, and I am so happy to be able to share tips on making sure you get the most out of your vacation throughout this post. It is a dream of mine to one day create a blog dedicated fully to travel and lifestyle, so stay tuned! Who knows what dreams might just come true! 

PLAN A RELAXING SCHEDULE

The day we shot this post, we headed to a cute little park that we had all to ourselves for the morning! Talk about relaxing…I left feeling incredibly refreshed and ready to handle the day…the month…and even the year ahead. A bit of fresh air and sunshine can really do wonders for helping one relax.

Making sure everyone has something cold and refreshing to drink really makes a huge difference. I know that when I am parched, I just can't think of anything but getting a sip of something cold. How about you?

Here, we treated a couple of our closest family members to some tasty refreshments as they enjoyed a relaxing sunset by the water. They said it was some of the tastiest Ginger Ale they had ever had and were so happy we shared! We filled glasses with ice, poured the Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Orangeade into the glasses, then garnished them with slices of mini oranges. What a tropical treat! Plus, the house we stayed at while in Florida had tons of gorgeous hibiscus bushes, and other pretty tropical flowers which really complemented the delicious taste of the Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Orangeade.

We love taking vacations with family. We all get a chance to bond and relax, which all of us need very badly since we all work SO hard throughout the year.

STAY COMFORTABLE / PACK ACCORDINGLY 

If your goal is to recharge, there is no use in completely doing way more than you would normally be capable of. Sure, it’s fun to challenge yourself and make the most of every day while on vacation but this also means giving your mind and body a little bit more time to rest than usual. You may not even realize that walking a city’s downtown area could add 5+ extra miles to your daily adventures!

Bring comfortable clothes and shoes, and be prepared for a variety of environments. This will help you stay at the top of your game. You may even find that in cities where walking is a huge part of peoples’ daily commute, you may find shoe stores and boutiques that carry incredibly comfortable and stylish items! Never pack shoes or clothing that are the least bit uncomfortable because you likely won’t even wear them while traveling.

Another part of staying comfortable is being prepared with enough refreshments and snacks. You never know when you will get that perfect chance to catch an amazing meal so rather than being stressed by packing improperly, get things organized ahead of time so you're all happy and you can take as much time to relax as possible.

RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH

Plan a relaxing schedule. It allows you a bit of wiggle room if places are not as expected. This way, if the itinerary isn’t planned out minute by minute, your whole day isn’t ruined if a detour arises!

Sometimes, the best and most relaxing days come from spur of the moment stops we have taken—whether it is just to get out and stretch our legs or is something a local told us about. 

I also love using the maps app on my phone to look up reviews, photos, and honest opinions of not only restaurants and bars but also state parks, venues, and even places off the beaten path.  

Also, if you search locations via Instagram’s geo tags, you can find out about a place days, months, or even years in advance! And, you get a look at what the locals are doing as well as those who are visiting.

UNPLUG AND LEAVE WORK BEHIND

 As we all know, unplugging from technology and work can be extremely peaceful and reduce stress. This is something I always have trouble doing since I work in social media. It’s part of my job to keep my phone or laptop by my side, whether it’s to check emails from clients or shoot photos for projects. And since I don’t have a traditional work schedule, work literally never ends. This means that I have to put forth extra effort to leave the phone in the other room so that I can enjoy the precious time we have in any given place.

Of course, technology while traveling can also help reduce stress. Set aside some time each morning or evening. If you do not already have a plan for the day ahead, jot down a list of ideas and look them up to see if it’s worth the time and effort.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND + A REALISTIC OUTLOOK

I always recommend keeping an open mind and realizing that travel can be stressful, so going with the flow in a new location or situation is sometimes the best way to fully enjoy your time.

Never pressure yourself to relax. If the situation is bothering you, do a little change of scenery, realize that you’re on vacation, and have a little fun. After all, there is likely some reason people vacation there, so find those places and check them out even if they are not your normal plan!

TRY A NEW ADVENTURE

Try a new adventure—that can breathe new life into your spirit and even if you wore yourself out a bit trying something new, the memories and thrill of a new adventure will truly reinvigorate or reenergize you for years to come.

Remember, pack yourself some snacks and your favorite flavors of Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Orangeade, Ginger Ale, and Diet Ginger Ale—something for everyone!

RECHARGE AND RELAX 

Get a good night’s sleep. I always bring my own pillow from home if space allows in my luggage. I find that after traveling and staying in so many places, the comfort of your own pillow is worth more than any luxury accommodations.

While I have never attended a spa to get a massage while on vacation, most tourist destinations boast award-winning, state of the art spas and salons that offer unique experiences.

What sorts of relaxing travel tips do you have? Do you find vacation stressful or relaxing? If you chose the latter, I do hope some of these tips have really inspired you to start enjoying every single moment of that relaxing vacation you planned! Happy and safe travels, friends!

Cristaudo’s Bakery and Gift Shop in Carbondale, IL

We visited Cristaudo’s Cafe and Bakery here in Carbondale recently, and I was so impressed with everything they have to offer! It had been a month or so since I’d visited, and I snapped a few photos to showcase their shop. they had some amazing St. Patrick’s Day cookies too. Find them online here - https://www.cristaudos.com/news/

Visit Cristaudo’s at 209 S. Illinois Street, Carbondale, IL 62901. 

What to Pair with Asti Spumante + Mini Fruit Tart Recipe

This post was sponsored by the Italian Trade Agency as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Message for readers 21 and older.

Throughout life, I have been so inspired by my Italian heritage. I enjoy wine, food, and art, all of which are very close to my heart. My grandfather’s parents moved to the United States from Italy around 1910, and since I was so close to his side of my family, I always felt such a connection to that culture. Living La Dolce Vita, meaning living the sweet life, is a great phrase for the way I feel about what you will find in this post. Learn how to pair this sweet sparkling Italian wine called Asti Spumante with something sweet and easy to make.

 In this post, I wanted to share a bright, refreshing glass of Asti Spumante with you (from one of 20 wine regions in Italy), and provide an easy yet elegant recipe for mini fruit tarts, which pair very well with this sparkling Italian wine.

Asti Spumante is a sparkling wine that is produced from Moscato Bianco grapes in the southeastern part of the Piedmont region of Italy, concentrated around the cities of Asti and Alessandria, but also near Cuneo. 

Though Piedmont accounts for only 7% of Italy’s wine production, it is celebrated for producing wines of extremely high quality. Piedmont stands proud as the region with the most DOC/DOCG zones (58) and the largest percentage of officially classified wines (86%). Piedmont is Italy’s northwesternmost region, sharing a border with Switzerland and France, and surrounded by the Alps to the north and west and the last peaks of the Apennine Mountains to the south.

(Image Source: Extraordinary Italian Wine) 

Below, you will notice a regional map of Italy, and the Piedmont region is shown in red.

The region is surrounded on three sides by the Alps. The name Piedmont comes from Latin meaning, ‘at the foot of the mountains,’ which makes for a very rocky soil and terrain in some areas. It’s an agricultural region, where more than half its 170,000 acres of vineyards are registered with DOC designations.

Italy produces the largest volume of wine in the world. The country may have more than 3,000 varieties of grapes, of which 590 are officially recorded with hundreds left to be catalogued. The wines are often referred to as “passionate wines,” extremely expressive wines that convey many emotions.

I often go for white wines when possible, and enjoy Chardonnay a LOT. This variety of wine has notes of light citrus fruit flavors (apple and pear mostly,) and a few hints of vanilla. Foods that pair well with Chardonnay include semi-soft cheeses such as goat cheese, herb-crusted halibut or scallops, chicken breast, and more.

My grandfather was one of my favorite people ever, and it’s really an honor to be able to celebrate him and the positive impact he had on me. My last name is Accettura, which is actually a city in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata. It has always been my dream to one day visit, and hopefully I will.

Since my grandfather loved cooking for me and treating us to delicious meals at restaurants in the Chicago area and on our vacations to Florida, I learned to love good food. He would be so proud of me for following my dreams of working for myself as a food and lifestyle photographer.

Many sites I researched concluded that fresh fruit are a great pairing for Asti Spumante. A few sites even mentioned fruit tarts, which I knew would be gorgeous to pair with this wine.

HOW TO MAKE MINI FRUIT TARTS:

Ingredients:

 1-2 packages of ready to use flaky shells (freezer section near the puff pastry and pie crusts)

Fresh fruit topping:

1 kiwi, cut into small pieces

1 package of blueberries

3 strawberries, cut into slices then into slices, like a pizza

Fresh whipped cream:

1 pint heavy whipping cream

¼ cup (or more) granulated sugar

2 tsp Vanilla bean paste or regular vanilla

1/3 C. powdered sugar, sifted

Optional – frosting bag and larger star-shaped piping tip

Instructions:

1.) Make whipped cream. In a stand mixer, whip together cream, granulated and powdered sugars, and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form, put into fridge to cool. After 15-20 minutes or less, transfer into prepared frosting bag.

2.) Lay all shells out onto work surface, and use your frosting bag to full shells. I used a swirling motion to get a nice shape. See below.

3.) Cut up fruits, and add one fruit at a time to all cups. First put one blueberry on each cup. Then, put one piece of kiwi on each, then one piece of strawberry. Serve with Asti Spumante and enjoy!

Experiment with Italian wines in creative, unexpected settings: Italian whites at the beach, Italian Rosato with BBQ, Italian whites with sushi, Nero d’Avola with Korean BBQ, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo with burgers, Valpolicella with ribs, Lambrusco with Mac n’ Cheese, Pairing Italian wines with cheese and meats.

I am SO honored to have had this chance to work with the Italian Wine Trade Agency on this incredible project. What an incredible learning experience. Cheers to amazing opportunities. 

As I mentioned before, my grandfather was 50% Italian; his parents relocated to the United States from Italy in the early 1900s. Since I was so close to my grandparents on my dad’s side, I was raised learning all about the Italian foods that my grandfather grew up enjoying, then cooking for me. I also learned later in life that my dad inherited several vintage bottles of Italian wines that my grandpa, Vito, had been keeping in the basement for many years. We still keep that wine as a memento of him, which makes this post even more special to me.

Asti Spumante’s characteristics are a persistent froth, a color from pale yellow to pale gold, the perlage is fine and persistent; its fragrance is soft and characteristic and, finally, its taste is aromatic, distinctive, sweet and balanced in structure. That’s why Asti is a wine with a strong and aristocratic personality. The bubbles add SO much to the experience.

Since strawberries are looking so great in stores right now, they were perfect to feature in this recipe, and to pair their sweet taste with the sparkling wine.

Made from the Moscato Bianco grape, Asti Spumante is sweet and low in alcohol. In fact, it is the perfect wine of the sweet occasions and to toast after a meal. It accompanies desserts and is very suitable with fruit, as it has hints of acacia flowers, wisteria, peach and apricot.

Use any variety of fruits you would like to make these adorable mini fruit tarts. I would recommend incorporating at least 3-4 colors of different fruits for the best effect.

Thank you so much for joining me to learn more about Italian wine and what pairs best with Asti Spumante. Have you ever tried this wine before?

Try This Amazing PMD Machine ASAP!

So what is Personal Microdermabrasion, and is is for you?

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure used to renew overall skin tone and texture. It can improve the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, melasma, and other skin-related concerns and conditions.

The exfoliating power of the PMD microdermabrasion machine and rejuvenating powers of the PMD Recovery Mask are unlike ANY other skincare product I have ever used. I love that it is also an all natural technique, so you would not need to use a harsh products, treatments, and cleansers, only to simply wonder if they are working or not. When you take a more thorough and aggressive approach to skincare, such as a microdermabrasion, you remove that layer of dead skin, scars, and even fine lines! After 8-12 weekly treatments, your skin should be showing MAJOR improvements. Honestly, you wind up seeing results after the FIRST TIME of use.

PMD kindly sent me a beautiful gift set for review, and I could not be happier with my face after 20 years of “hating my skin”!

GET YOUR PMD MACHINE HERE!

Do you ever feel like you work and work to keep your skin clean and fresh to no avail? Those blackheads are just sitting right under the skin, but are not wanting to budge. I am someone who suffers from less acne than I used to before reducing soda and dairy, but my skins is still nowhere near perfect.

FINALLY, after using the PMD machine four times, I can say, that I am finally HAPPY with the appearance of my skin. No joke, I have had skin troubles since I was 14, and this is the first actual technique that has made a difference.

Personal Microderm will remove the top layer of dead dull skin and bring blood flow to the surface of the skin, which will allow your skin to absorb the powerful specially formulated ingredients of the mask for smoother brighter skin. Love your skin starting TODAY!

Personal Microderm combines Patented Spinning Disc technology with Perfectly Calibrated Vacuum Suction to brighten, smooth, and even skin tone and texture. After using the Personal Microderm, the specially formulated Recovery Masks will hydrate and sooth the skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.

BE FRESH ~ BE RADIANT

“Does the PMD really work? Showing you how to use the PMD Personal Microderm the RIGHT WAY in today's tutorial to help you get glowing skin at home! I've been using the PMD Microdermabrasion system for a few months now and I LOVE the way my skin looks.”

Below, you will see a diagram of how to use the machine around your entire face. It is most important to not hover over any one spot too long, or you can get a little spot on your face, like you would if you skinned your knee a tiny bit! This will rarely happen, but there is that possibility.

If you are curious about the variety of PMD Discs or tips, you can see below, that the different colors indicate how rough they are. I have used the white and grey so far and they have been amazing! No issues!

The Love Your Skin Beauty Kit comes with a rose gold metallic zippered bag that holds everything you need! Machine, discs, face masks, and cord.

ALL 5 STAR REVIEWS

I also found a VERY thorough review on the PMD machine, which I have shared below. Find that original article here!

Have you ever considered using this treatment for your skin? Let me know in the comments below!

Simple and Indulgent Moments with Oikos Oh! Double Cream Yogurt

This post is sponsored by Oikos but all opinions are my own. #OhMGMoments

Time to de-stress and indulge in the simple pleasures of the NEW Oikos Oh! Double Cream Yogurts. There are four indulgent flavors to choose from, can you imagine how good the Salt Dusted Caramel Crème tasted?! This new yogurt is unlike any yogurt you’ve ever had. Made with double the cream versus Oikos whole milk yogurt, to create a one of a kind thick and luscious texture that you won’t be able to get enough of.

Delight your mouth with a spoonful of yogurt, no toppings are needed, That’s because The Salt-Dusted Double Creme Yogurt was such a treat! Enjoy this as a simple treat after a long day, during a movie or TV show, or even as dessert after a yummy home cooked meal.

The anticipation of that next bite is an indulgence in and of itself. As someone who works from home, I am always on the move. I find it hard sometimes to simply let myself relax and enjoy the simple pleasures in life because I know that something or other can be checked off the to-do list.

But, rewarding myself with a tasty snack like this one really helps me stay grounded and enjoy something to myself, time to take a deep breath, and time to indulge.

Learn more about Oikos Oh! Flavors Here!

Double Cream Yogurt Honey Drizzled Blueberry, Magnificent Mixed Berry Rhubarb, Lemon Sweet Cream Delight, and my favorite, Salt-Dusted Caramel  Crème. So many incredible flavors to choose from! I would recommend trying one of each to see what you like best.

What flavor would you choose? What are some of your favorite indulgences?

Lemon Bar Recipe (With Shortbread Crust)

Hello! Thanks for stopping by to check out my latest recipe. I love lemon bars, and feel like they’re always WAY overpriced at bakeries, and sometimes aren’t tart enough (sometimes they’re way too sweet).

Also, this recipe actually came from a moment where I was baking cutout sugar cookies, but they wound up spreading too much to use. After one sheet pan full of super conjoined cookies, but still a delicious taste, I decided that perhaps, I could use the cookie dough for a crust of sorts. Well, I found a delicious lemon filling to accompany this delicious sugar cookie crust, and WOW, these were amazing!

I even cut them up into small 2” squares and they were a HIT! So fun to keep a little container of these in the fridge for a homemade treat or for an awesome gift, too. Hope you enjoy!

Crust Ingredients (Originally found here)

1 1/2 cups butter salted, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed

1 tbsp lemon zest

3 cups all-purpose flour


Filling Ingredients:

1.5 C. sugar

1/4 C. flour

4 eggs

2 lemons, juiced (feel free to use limes)

Parchment paper

Flour for dusting pan


Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F degrees (feel free to bake at 350 if your oven doesn’t run super hot). Prepare 8x8” or 9x9” baking dish with non stick spray. Prepare baking pan by spraying non-stick spray, adding a strip of parchment paper that will help you remove the bars from the pan. Then, feel free to add more non stick spray to the paper, then a light dusting of flour.

  2. Add the butter to the bowl of your mixer and blend until smooth on medium speed. Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest to the mixer bowl and continue mixing on low until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour and mix until well blended. Feel free to gather dough into a ball or round shape to discourage air bubbles while baking.

  3. Press dough into baking pan and smooth out to remove any air bubbles.

  4. Bake crust for 12-15, just until crust is slightly done towards the center.

5. Remove crust from oven, let cool for 5-10 minutes, then pour lemon filing over crust, evening out with a large spoon or spatula. Bake 18-20 minutes longer, until edges begin to get brown. Feel free to cover with foil for last 5-10 minutes of baking time.

6. Let cool completely, then use the overhanging parchment paper to carefully remove the entire baked bar and place it onto a cutting board.

7. Use a knife with a sharp, straight edge to cut the bars in half each way, then two more times on each side (3 cuts per side, 6 cuts total). Feel free to add sifted powdered sugar over the top as well, before cutting.

8. Serve and enjoy!